STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PARTS (a) TO (e) OF STARRED QUESTION NO. 14 BY SHRI R. GOPALAKRISHNAN TO BE ANSWERED IN LOK SABHA ON 18.07.2018 REGARDING CAPACITY OF TRAINS

(a) to (c):

1. In the backdrop of over saturation of many networks on Indian Railways due to the tremendous growth in freight and passenger traffic, Railway Board has identified 7 High Density Networks (HDN) on Indian Railways (IR).

There are 7 identified High Density Network Routes on Indian Railways as given below:

Provision of One additional High Level Platform of 18 Coaches length and extension of 2 existing platforms to 26 Coaches capacity.

In Madurai area, double broad gauge line from Madurai to Chennai and single broad gauge line from Rameshwaram to Palghat/Karaikudi/Tiruchchirappalli via Madurai have been provided. Further, gauge conversion of Karaikudi-Thiravarur/Agastiyampalli and doubling of entire route from Madurai-Tuticorin and VanchiManiyachi- Nagercoil/Kanniyakumari lines are in various stages of execution.

Presently, Madurai is being served by 47 pairs of train services which includes 34 pairs of Express and 13 pairs of passenger trains.